Lichens

Lichens are a symbiotic organism composed of algae and/or cyanobacteria living in a fungal matrix. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats and form in a variety of forms, often appearing greenish-gray in color. Lichens are important to the environment as they are sensitive to air pollution and can indicate the presence of harmful pollutants. Due to their ability to survive in extreme conditions, they have various uses in research, industry, and medicine. In research, lichens are used to study the effects of chemical pollutants on an ecosystem. In industry, they are used to produce certain food colorings and medicines. Lastly, in traditional medicine, lichens are used for treating infections, improving skin health, and aiding with digestion.